Darren Criss Apologizes For “Distasteful” Caitlyn Jenner Joke

Darren Criss offered Caitlyn Jenner an apology on Friday via his Facebook page, after he made an offensive joke about Jenner’s transition from male to female.

Criss came under fire earlier this week when Twitter user Marc Lacognata tweeted that the actor cracked a “distasteful” joke during his Broadway performance of Hedwig and the Angry Inch. In the musical, the former “Glee” star plays a transgender rocker, and regularly improvises during each production. But during one showing, “Darren Criss as HEDWIG said, ‘man, woman, woman, wan, Bruce Jenner, whatever you are.’ And it was distasteful,” wrote Lacognata.

The “Glee” actor didn’t address the backlash until Friday, writing on Facebook, “I want to sincerely apologize to Caitlyn Jenner, all transgender people, and anyone who was offended for my words on stage during Tuesday evening’s performance.” Criss added, “In no way do the remarks reflect my personal belief system or my support for transgender people. However, I do realize the severity of the comment and the weight that words can carry and for that, I take full responsibility.”

Criss went on to note that he commends Jenner for “her strength and for spreading acceptance around the globe.” He continued, “I have been and remain a proud and unwavering ally of the LGBTQIA community, and will continue to walk alongside my friends on the road to full equality and acceptance.” What do you think about Criss’ comment during his Hedwig performance, and his apology to Jenner?